The 2013 National Geographic Photography Contest Winners

During the month of November, National Geographic magazine invited photographers from around the world to submit photos in three categories: People, Places and Nature. We received more than 7,000 entries from over 150 countries, with amateur and professional photographers across the globe participating. You can view all of the winning images here.

We asked Senior Photo Editor Susan Welchman, and National Geographic contributing photographers Stephanie Sinclair and Ed Kashi to judge this year’s photo contest at the Society’s headquarters in Washington, DC, on December 9th.

Imagine a darkened room with images projected on a huge screen, and almost total silence except for the ‘yeas’ and ‘nays’ of the judges and the occasional discussion over specific photos. Several hours later, after multiple rounds of editing, the finalists became clear and the real debate began.

Ultimately, the judges unanimously agreed the Grand Prize should be awarded to Paul Souders for his image of a polar bear lurking beneath melting sea ice in Hudson Bay, Canada. After realizing the photographer had won an award in another contest for a very similar photo, we thought it would be interesting to hear from Paul directly.

Grand Prize and Nature WinnerPaul Souders, Seattle, WashingtonThe Ice BearA polar bear peers up from beneath the melting sea ice on Hudson Bay as the setting midnight sun glows red from the smoke of distant fires during a record-breaking spell of hot weather. The Manitoba population of polar bears, the southernmost in the world, is particularly threatened by a warming climate and reduced sea ice.

Launch Gallery

MONICA CORCORAN: How long have you been shooting wildlife and how/why did you get into it?

PAUL SOUDERS: I’ve worked as a professional photographer for nearly 30 years. It’s the only job I’ve ever had that didn’t involve pumping gas or pushing a lawn mower.

But I never set out to be a nature photographer, I wanted to be a news shooter, and I started my first job at a small daily paper in Rockville, Md., with dreams of journalistic glory. I covered a lot of high school sports, portrait assignments and weather features. It felt like telling the story of my community, one day at a time. At some point, I decided a change of scene was in order. Never one for half measures, I packed up everything I owned and drove 4300 miles to Anchorage, Alaska, to take a job at the state’s biggest newspaper. It was 27 below zero the day I arrived, but it was entirely new and magical. There was a moose in my backyard and I could see bald eagles on my morning commute.

And that’s when I started moving away from news work and toward photographing wildlife. But it’s still the same mission, telling stories about the places I see and the wildlife I encounter. I left the paper 20 years ago and I’ve worked as a travel and wildlife photographer ever since.

MONICA: A near frame of yours won the Animals in their Environment category of the 2013 Wildlife Photographer of the Year photo contest. Tell us the story behind these photos.

PAUL: I had two sharp frames of the underwater bear, and the framing was only very slightly different. I entered the BBC contest right at their deadline, and never compared the two side by side. Once it won its category in BBC (but failed to win the grand prize), I kept staring at the lower right hand corner, where the ice edge is cropped, and it started to bug me. I do prefer this frame, since it has the entire ice edge. It’s one of those little details that can make a picture work just a bit better, but not something I even noticed or cared about initially.

The bear swam up to the iceberg, ducked under and stayed underwater for several seconds as I moved my zodiac into position and then held out the camera on a six-foot boom near the entrance. I didn’t fire until she came up to breathe and take a look at me, and I kept firing the shutter as she submerged again. She hung there, just below the surface, watching me, then came up for another breath before swimming away. I couldn’t see her from where I sat in my small zodiac boat; I was shooting blind with the wide angle. I sensed it was a unique situation, but the first thought in my mind was that I really didn’t want to screw up. I’d already dunked the remote radio trigger and camera into the salt water, and had to jury rig a replacement cable by chewing off the copper wires and hand-splicing it together. I don’t know how, but somehow it worked.

It is REALLY hard to make a living at this. I was lucky enough to begin a photo career at a time when you could earn at least some sort of meager living at it. A newspaper photographer’s salary wasn’t much, but at least it was a job, and an amazing training ground where I got to shoot pictures every day. I worked around other, better photographers who helped me learn my craft. And I actually got paid to do it. I worry that it’s much, much harder for the next generation of photographers to make a living and build a career.

I consider myself very fortunate to continue to make a living pursuing work that I really love.

MONICA: What are your thoughts on entering photo contests?

PAUL: I like to think I’m past the point in life where I live and die by contest results and the momentary ego boost they provide.

What I do appreciate is how contests can bring storytelling photographs to a wider audience, and how they can captivate an audience of millions to see the natural world’s fragile beauty, and to motivate them to take an active interest in experiencing and protecting it.

People WinnerCecile Baudier, Jylland, DenmarkTogether, AloneThis portrait of two identical twins (Nils and Emil, 15 years old) in Fyn, Denmark, is part of a series of pictures, portraying people who have a strong connection to another person and who often think of themselves as a ‘we’ instead of ‘me’.

Launch Gallery

Places WinnerAdam Tan, Selangor, MalaysiaLong Road to DaybreakRealizing this old town (Laocheng, means old town in Chinese) would soon be transformed into a new town through the speedy economic growth in China and perhaps lose its raw beauty in no time, I was pleased to capture this working mother carrying her child in her basket walking through the thick mist in a very early foggy morning, 2012.

There are 120 Comments. Add Yours.

Sriram
February 26, 2014

Amazing pictures… I love it<3

Adam Tan
February 17, 2014

Dear Fruzandeh Saedi, thanks for the kind words. I’m one of the 3, the one who shot Long Road to Daybreak. Well, I did aware of the background. Noticing a good background and anticipating some subject might show up was what I did at that moment. Of course, I was lucky to have the mother with the baby at her back show up…

Penny
February 4, 2014

There are no words to describe this – the best I can say is absolutely amazing! Where can I buy a canvas to hang in my home??????

Deependra Sunar
January 28, 2014

Just loved the Nature image by Paul, this is one of the mind blowing image i have ever seen.

This is such a great shot I almost don’t want to disturb it with comment, nothing I say can come close to adding more to it. However, comments are invited and my comment/observation is well done on recognising this ‘approaching’ moment, being ready for it and capturing it. One second before or one second after and that ‘moment’ would not be there. Fantastic.

Alistair Brown
January 6, 2014

Nature is full of surprises. its not that these pics can be captured everyday… so al say to all the Nat Geo guys who have the patience and persistence…. fantastic job… its because of u guys that we are able to enjoy such rare pics…

Gary Herbison
January 6, 2014

For too long we have thought of this planet as our own.Possibly this comes through being the dominant species. I think the photo of the polar bear, typifies the impact we as humans are having on other species. We are not the only species that feel, think and reason.

Karen Thompson
January 5, 2014

A great photo is like a great wine, it is one you love look at. In my humble opinion Paul has captured a great photo.

Margo Duncan
January 5, 2014

I have to say i love diff pictures and what amazes me is the right timing on some…this polar bear was breath taking I could picture myself there in amazement and fear of what could of happened next…yet too see that bear looking at you from under the water is mesmerizing. I believe Paul is well deserving of this prize …well done Paul and what a great experience to be right there wow……

I often go to photographic exhibitions and many is the time I think ” hell, I can do better than that!” This time, I certainly don’t even dare think it. I believe photography is all about light, about being there and getting that certain never to be repeated moment, and ultimately evoking emotion. All 3 of these photos do all 3 and the polar bear is a once in a lifetime shot. Thanks for the opportunity to be inspired.

Raymond Shay
January 5, 2014

The bear image makes me polarphobic.

This really makes me want to raise the bar on my own photography. Just when one starts to think he’s getting good, images like this are shown. It inspires me greatly, while whispering the need for personal improvement.

World class photographs, indeed…. Thank you.

Annie Cooley
January 5, 2014

I love “Long Road to Daybreak” because it looks as if the mother is running from something, trying to get away. The story of the picture really resides in the buildings and sidewalks, I think. They look almost like a painting- it’s truly beautiful.

Fruzandeh Saedi
January 5, 2014

The background contrast in these photos with the subject is great. Do not know if the photographers were aware of it at the time of their action as they have not mentioned it in their comments

DORLEANS
January 5, 2014

fantastic pictures, congrats to the winners

bogy
January 5, 2014

topp fotka

Wanda Pareja
January 5, 2014

Amazing photos.

Carmen Sporidis
January 5, 2014

breathtaking beauty

Elizabeth
January 3, 2014

it is hard to see a polar bear in the wter, just coming out. the polar bear’s head looks smashed. it looks like the polar bear is thinking of me for its dinner. its so outrageous!!!

Eva-Maria Klopper
January 1, 2014

About the photo of the polar bear: One thing that struck me is the obvious sadness in the bear’s face. Lately I have become more aware of animals’ emotions and expressions and out of all the characteristics of this outstanding photograph the visible emotion on the bear’s face is the highest achievement in my eyes, showing that the bear intuitively knows what the situation is that we usually describe in numbers and charts, the climate change that is leaving less and less of their natural habitat. Hopefully it will make people think twice before taking weekend trips across the globe etc. and hopefully this photo will contribute to make people act in ways that are more sustainable, loving and caring for all inhabitants of this planet, including animals.

sabyasachi basu
January 1, 2014

it is very fascinating to watch these beautiful pictures through NG which we cannot see normally.CONGRATS to all for these fabulous pictures

Bina Chaudhary
December 31, 2013

It was amazing and beautifully captured. Congratulations!!!

Liudmila Ovadava
December 30, 2013

Я восхищаюсь талантом людей, умеющих замечать прекрасное в природе.

shir zameen khan safi
December 30, 2013

Sorry there is no any picture of Trible Areas of Pakistan.

shir zameen khan safi
December 30, 2013

Thank u I like it too much.

Modeana Lamphier
December 29, 2013

Congratulations Paul Souders! By always taking the road less traveled (or in this case dingy), you’ve reached the top! In good company with others who see the world just a little differently!

Thomas Beck
December 28, 2013

Great Shot – in addition to admiring the craft and dedication to his art that made this shot possible, it’s a pleasure to read his comments. We get a glimpse of what’s on the other side of the lens that made this possible.

Lore Prado
December 27, 2013

Hermosas fotos…

Monika Jongert
December 27, 2013

at first sight I thought of a photomontage, until I realized what an outstanding photo this is

Sanchoita
December 26, 2013

Polar bears “Make you feel Coooool”
All The Best Keep it up

Grace
December 26, 2013

I’m quite disappointed in this years choice for top photo.
In my opinion the palette is at odds.
The distortion in the bear is like fingernails raking a chalkboard.
Nothing at all redeeming in this photo other than to reinforce the cliche – beauty being held in the eye of the beholder.

C. Palmer
December 25, 2013

Congratulations to all that participated, even if you did not win. To those that are still learning, as myself, we can hopefully learn from these winners. Thank you for sharing your “corner of the world” with us all.

suddhya gupta
December 25, 2013

excellent

hamid
December 25, 2013

fantastic shot
براستی که خیره کنندست

Han
December 25, 2013

From the last picture,we see CHINA MOBILE everywhere.

Jane
December 24, 2013

I have a question to the picture with the polar bear. It was made just a second before the bear appeared from the water.. What did the photographer do afterwards? The picture looks pretty dangerous to me.

Todd Smith
December 24, 2013

I’m glad the polar bear won! I voted for that one. A scene that is definitely not common, and also fascinating.

Seraj Ahmed
December 24, 2013

Paul Souders’s photo shot is realy awesome

Portland
December 23, 2013

There are no polar bears in the Antarctic which is at the South Pole. Polar bears are found in the north in the Arctic.

Portland
December 23, 2013

To Dubai. There are no polar bears in the Antaractic which

Rose Clark
December 23, 2013

REALLY? Professionals of 30 years wins? REALLY? YES, the art is good however I didn’t see anything about being a professional with top notch equipment.

oguntomisin tolu
December 23, 2013

An excellent work there by Paul,well done .

Edmund Singh
December 23, 2013

Ihope that you would not stop taking these beautiful and thought inspiring photos

Dubai
December 23, 2013

Why censor the commentary if its truthful and speaks out against this contest which is a scam. The photographers are getting raped by the national geographic and other photographic contest out there. For example 10,000 dollars is as illusive as a polar bear, cause no one crosses there minds around the taxes, so the photographer at most gets 6,000 back. Mr.. Sounders just went through a trip a least worth 25,000 dollars across the Antarctic with his top notch camera gear. Your prize reward doesn’t even pay for his lens used during his expenditure. Another thing to consider, has anyone seen the winner received the grand prize? For all we know national geographic could be as cheap to tell Mr. Sounders, we will pay you in the next 4 yrs. And eventually drop for any contract necessary the total amount due to him. And knowing the lawyers and disadvantages the photographer is, the National geographic just ripped the photographer from his owned money.

Diana Borcherds
December 22, 2013

Thought provoking … I would never have chosen these subjects myself BUT they are tremendous and tell nature’s true story.

k velayutham
December 22, 2013

stunningphotograghy

Kristan Root
December 22, 2013

Fabulous shot by Paul, the Polar bear looking up from under the melting ice is Fabulous~ The twins in Denmark~ a picture needs no words~ a deep connection of the Soul is obvious here~Selangor morning daybreak is Beautiful~ Thank You~ Love all three~ Kristan Moore Root

AdrianaEiko
December 22, 2013

God bless each talent!!

AdrianaEiko
December 22, 2013

Fantastic!!!

shafiul shuvo
December 22, 2013

i like this photo……….

Noe Low
December 22, 2013

I LOVE ALL of it!!!

cj Manait
December 22, 2013

Truly Amazing!

Julie Houghton
December 22, 2013

Congratulations Paul! It was no accident that your framing was spot on, because no one else on the planet would ever do what you do for a photograph. You never cease to amaze me!
– your friend

Bidyut Roy
December 21, 2013

Inspiring works.

raymond marrero
December 21, 2013

Realmente, maraviyoso,

Marcel Le Bec
December 21, 2013

As a photographer in the field I enjoy these pictures more than anything!

Its amazing how the grand prize winner was a photo by pure luck as the photographer could not see thru the view finder to see what the image was or what the composition was. Todays technology makes this kind of luck possible..

In Charge one….
December 21, 2013

interesting…however here the fact that been ignore.. Remember, anything can be doctored, including a Photograph. This case a left wing loon…2013 Will Finish One Of The Ten Coldest Years In US History, With The Largest Drop In Temperature……Satellite data shows that the polar bears have at least one reason to be happy this year – Arctic sea ice coverage was up 50 percent over last year’s record low coverage. Contrary to Al Gore’s prediction that there would be no polar ice cap by this year, sea ice coverage spanned nearly 2,100 cubic miles by the end of this year’s melting season, up from about 1,400 cubic last year.

After 35 years of admiring the greatest photographers in NG magazine, it was so pleasant to witness the judging process of such down to earth judges. Thank you for your wonderful contribution to photography.

Kristy Rogers
December 21, 2013

The moment I saw it, the polar bear made my heart sing!

Shahin Ahmed
December 21, 2013

This is certainly out of the ordinary, one that fascinates, stirs the heart to the majesty of a place that not all can be at in one’s lifetime; one that moves the heart to heed the loud call for care and preservation of our beautiful planet and all that live in it. Kudos to Paul Soulders, you deserve the win. Thank you for sharing your photo with the world.

Michael Newbold
December 21, 2013

Even thought my nature entry didn’t win in the nature category, I do like the polar bear winning photograph.

Michael Newbold
December 21, 2013

Even though my nature photo didn’t win the nature catagory, I do like the polar bear photo.

Arthur Erasmus
December 21, 2013

I always watch Aviation Accident investigations on National Geographic’s.

Arthur Erasmus.
December 21, 2013

I’d step aside to watch National Geographic’s on my TV any time.

Yu Chieh Ho
December 21, 2013

The polar was absolutely amazing, and make people wants to see what is going happening next.

Sandra Marcariam
December 21, 2013

So beautiful !! Thanks NG to share it !!

Reyes
December 21, 2013

They are worse than American Idol or Britain next talent judges, so shallow. You know what makes a great photograph judges? money a lots of it and going out there and executing it to meet a standard. Most average people cant afford a non funded trip to the antarctic to take pictures of polar bears. So a good photograph is elites I swear when I look at these photographs from the National geographic they are standardized, there is no soul from the photographer. That is liberal talk, just to justify a decision upon esthetic and production money. The formula is the same: people from the 3rd world, exotic places that most human beings cant go or is illegal to get a boat and sail over. Non touched imagery that even Ansel Adams doesn’t make the cut.

Thanks Paul for sharing how you got this image. It was so unreal to me I kept looking at it and looking at it…thinking it was photoshopped. Makes it even more special that something so unreal looking turn out to have an even more amazing story behind it. And who knows if you didn’t spend time splicing you may have missed it! Just awesome to see!

Nina G
December 20, 2013

Breathtaking!!!

Mariam Alimi
December 20, 2013

Very nice and interesting photographs

Jason Racey
December 20, 2013

Another type of photography contest: put all the contestants in the same place at the same time – let’s say a rural village. Whatever, as long as there’s enough variety for everyone to find their niche. Give them 2 hours to come up with their best photograph. I know art doesn’t really happen this way I’d be interested to see the results nonetheless.

Felipe
December 20, 2013

how does one enter the contest?

Linda gammon
December 20, 2013

Lovely photography! Thank you for sharing your works.

Sreenivasa Rao Bollini
December 20, 2013

I admire the dedicated work of National Geography. The contests conducted and Judgmenta are meaningful and professioal.

Capwhan
December 20, 2013

One thing for sure is Nat. Geo. has some great judges.

Diana Páez
December 20, 2013

Thanks for these amazona pictures, it is awesome to explore in the way diferente people ese the world. I loved it.

Michael Sullivan
December 20, 2013

“two twins”???

M.AYUB KHAN RAO
December 20, 2013

congratulation for winning the contest of very professoinally photographs captured and posted / shared for us to see the things where you reached by facing difficuties and trouble, for the others who can not afford to do all, thanks dear, wishing a happy Xmas to all.

Savannah Leung
December 20, 2013

I just came across this though I do get posts from time to time on FB,will there be another contest like this in 2014 and can old photos be used that was taken in 2011 to 2013, if you decide to host another contest like this in Early 2014?.

Ralph Gordon
December 20, 2013

I am not a fan of photography but this is simply stunning! Simply amazed man! Wow.. I don’t know what to say..Wooow

jill kurth
December 20, 2013

AMAZING photography…and sooo inspiring..

Donna Sorensen
December 20, 2013

I am awed at all the Beauty U catch in all types of pictures U take, Wow!

Blanca Pinon
December 20, 2013

Bravo! for documenting the raw beauty of our world …

Gigi
December 20, 2013

Fantastic!

ali shurbaji
December 20, 2013

I like it < it tells story behind pictures, as a photographer and as scene.

selma andrade
December 20, 2013

linda essas fotos fiquei sem palavras!

John Francis S. Fabroa
December 20, 2013

AMAZING PHOTO <3 IT

Katherine Kay Mariano
December 20, 2013

I am in awe of how these photographers were able to capture these images with perfect timing and skill =) Just superb!

Greg
December 20, 2013

Other than submitting photos to NatGeo, what does Paul Souders do as a photographer? Who was paying him to hang out with polar bears?

Dan Fermon
December 20, 2013

I personally liked a lot when Paul Souders said what his main objective on participating a photo contest was. Totally agree, although receiving a prize is still a great way to be recognized for any king of effort.

farokh.rabiee@yahoo.com
December 20, 2013

very good magesien&very mooi and nice

teresa
December 20, 2013

Gostei especialmente da foto Places Winner…. para mim é a preferida

Melody Fox
December 20, 2013

These pictures are absolutely awesome and breathtaking… (the last one with the Chinese mama and child moved me to tears…)

Thank you for sharing and thanks to the Photographers for their artistry…

(by the way, I love National Geographic…I am a Journalist too, with no work)

This is certainly out of the ordinary, one that fascinates, stirs the heart to the majesty of a place that not all can be at in one’s lifetime; one that moves the heart to heed the loud call for care and preservation of our beautiful planet and all that live in it. Kudos to Paul Souders, you deserve the win. Thank you for sharing your photo with the world.